For rising Kapamilya actress Criza Taa, navigating friendships under the scrutiny of fame has been as complex as any character she’s played onscreen. But in her latest appearance on Toni Gonzaga’s “Toni Talks,” the Kadenang Ginto alum opened up with refreshing honesty—addressing long-standing rumors, social media backlash, and the emotional distance that now defines her relationship with former girl group ABCD.

ABCD—short for Andrea Brillantes, Bea Borres, Criza Taa, and Danica Ongtengco—was once a tight-knit squad that fans adored for their chemistry and candid content. Formed during their time on the hit afternoon drama Kadenang Ginto, the group blossomed beyond the show, building a fan base through vlogs, social media posts, and off-cam bonding.

But in recent years, fans noticed Criza’s absence from the group’s content—fueling speculation of a falling-out.

“We Just Grew Apart”

In her sit-down with Toni, Criza clarified the status of her relationship with her former ABCD sisters.

“Magkakaibigan pa rin naman kami… Hindi na lang talaga kasing close ng dati,” she said. “Siguro may mga ganon lang po talagang friendship na it’s not meant to last.”

While she admitted to being unsure of what led to the group’s drifting apart, Criza emphasized that there was never a formal fight or dramatic falling-out.

“Parang bigla na lang nawala ’yung closeness. Hindi rin talaga namin napag-usapan. At the time, siguro we just needed space.”

And yet, despite the distance, she says there’s no bitterness—only the quiet understanding that not all friendships are built to last forever.

“May mga kaibigan talaga tayo na hindi naman natin nakaaway, pero hindi na rin natin kaibigan.”

From “Give All” to Guarding Her Heart

One of the most personal takeaways Criza shared from the experience is her shift in how she handles friendships today. Once someone who gave her all—especially when it came to trust and secrets—she now embraces the value of keeping some things to herself.

“Ngayon, may mga sikreto na akong sa sarili ko na lang,” she admitted. “Ayoko na ring masyadong mag-share sa social media tungkol sa mga kaibigan ko.”

The lesson? Boundaries. And a new understanding that growth sometimes means letting go.

On Being Labeled: “Social Climber” and “Fake Friend”

No stranger to public judgment, Criza also addressed the harsh labels thrown her way online—including accusations of being a “social climber” and a “fake friend,” which intensified after a viral Pinoy Big Brother clip hinted at subtle shade, allegedly directed at her.

Criza confessed she used to take the accusations to heart.

“Dati sobrang affected ako… Kasi nakakainis. Kilala mo ‘yung sarili mong hindi ka gano’n pero pine-frame ka na parang kilalang-kilala ka nila.”

But as she grew older and wiser, Criza learned to detach from opinions that don’t come from people who truly know her.

“Na-realize ko, hindi naman nila ako kilala. Kaya natutunan ko na ihiwalay ’yung personal life ko sa social media life.”

A Quiet Rebirth

At a young age, Criza Taa is already well-versed in the growing pains of friendship, fame, and public perception. Through it all, she’s chosen to rise above the noise—not with bitterness, but with introspection.

Her message, especially to young fans, is quietly profound: not all friendships are forever, and that’s okay. Sometimes, people grow in different directions. Sometimes, silence replaces shared laughter. But the absence of conflict does not erase the impact of the bond that once was.

“Ang mahalaga, hindi kayo magkaaway. Hindi na nga lang talaga kayo ulit magiging magkaibigan.”

Criza’s candidness is a welcome reminder: it’s okay to let go, it’s okay to outgrow, and most of all—it’s okay to protect your peace.